Hinson Votes in Support of Laken Riley Act and Sarah's Law

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) released the below statement following the passage of the Laken Riley Act, which includes Sarah's Law. This bipartisan bill passed the House 263-156 and ensures criminal illegal aliens are immediately detained by ICE and no longer protected by loopholes and radical open-border policies.

"I cosponsored Sarah's Law for the same reason I sponsored the Laken Riley Act. No illegal immigrant who commits a crime or harms an American should have the chance to commit another crime in America – let alone reside in our country. While it’s despicable 156 Democrats voted to put criminal illegal immigrants first, I am so thankful we have a president who will always put Americans first. Let’s get this bill to President Trump’s desk – for Laken, Sarah, and every family who has suffered at the hands of an illegal immigrant." - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

Background:

The Laken Riley Act:

• The legislation is named for Laken Riley, the 22-year-old nursing student who was murdered by an illegal alien on the University of Georgia’s campus on February 22, 2024. 
• It would amend federal law to require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to issue detainers and take custody of illegal aliens who commit theft-related crimes, such as shoplifting, as defined by state and local law.
• It allows state attorneys general to sue the Secretary of Homeland Security for injunctive relief if immigration actions such as parole, violation of detention requirements, or other policy failures harm that state or its citizens.

Sarah's Law:

• The legislation is named for Sarah Root, a 21-year-old from Council Bluffs, Iowa, who was struck and killed by an illegal immigrant who was driving drunk – three times over the legal limit.
• Due to a loophole in federal law, her killer, Edwin “Eswin” Mejia, was released on bond and never seen again.
• Sarah's Law closes the loophole that allowed Mejia to avoid ICE detention, essentially giving him a get-out-of-jail free card.